Through this process, I want to discover what technology we have, what new technology is on the horizon, what implications this has to our health and medical practices, and the inevitable moral and ethical question that tags along.
Some interesting sources that I have been able to find thus far are as follows:
XENOS: PVS and how to respond
Science and Technology for Disease Control: Past, Present, Future
The New Biomedical Technology
New Developments in Biomedical Engineering
2-20-2013
As I continue with my research I find myself being more and more interested in cases involving PVS (Persistent Vegetative State) and the ethical implications that the situation bring to light. With technology going in the direction that it is, the line between "life" and "death" is becoming increasingly obscure. This causes problems for patients, doctors, and really anyone involved in the medical system. In the following source, the author states that a patient in PVS can display some movements that make it seem as though he/she may recover such as move limbs, breathe spontaneously, grimace, swallow and many more. This makes the situation even harder on those involved.
Ethical Issues in the Persistent Vegetative State Patient
This issue calls into question the ethics of the technology that is coming about on the medical scene. While these technologies were intended for fulfilling purposes, we must speculate as to whether or not these technologies are being perpetuated in the correct or "right" way.
3-13-2013
In addition t the sources listed above, here are some more that raise more questions about ethical medical technology:
Medical Technology
Life At All Costs
These sources talk about the rising cost of dying. In 2009 alone, Medicare spent $120 billion. This is more than the budget of the U.S. Departments of Education and Homeland Security combined! The last few months of life cost an estimated $55,000 and 20-30% of those costs may have had no meaningful impact on the patient's health. Doctors are now faced with managing the expectations of the family and patient when the patient is close to death. A new phrase is arising that is linked with a multitude of problems. This phrase is "Do everything." This forces the doctors to over treat. People are driven by the guilt that is associated with possibly making the wrong decision and doctors are forced to ask these people "What suffering makes that treatment worthwhile?"
TED: How to Live to be 100
While the above video talks about how your location affects your health it is interesting to note the title. Here we can recognize the root problem. People in today's society don't want to think about dying and have a facade of "I will simply live forever." The majority of Americans are not prepared for the end of their lives and have not thought of how this affects those that will be faced with making their end of life decisions. By educating people in the technologies available and what the intended purposes for those technologies are, the better prepared they will be. Hopefully we can stop the trend of billions of dollars being spent to simply extend the life of someone who would die regardless within a few months.
2-20-2013
The original intentions for the technologies available to patients must be analysed in order to fully grasp the gravity of the end-of-life situations that are costing so much money. Once we understand the way these technologies should be used, we can then make more informed decisions.
Here are some links to ponder:
The Feeding Tube Dilemma
Rule of Double Effect
3-27-13
Some interesting things to look into:
CNN: Munchausen
Dying
DMT
4-3-13
Let's explore death...
Signs and Symptoms
Process
4-17-13
Prepare yourself!
Here are some helpful links for preparation fr that inevitable day. Better to be prepared than to be blindsided.
Caregivers Library
Ok To Die
A lot of people don't think that they need to take these necessary steps to preparation for the dying process. If you are one of those people, here are somethings to consider:
Life Science: The Odds of Dying
Gravity and Levity: Your body wasn't meant to last...
4-24-13
Let's clarify advance directives...
FamilyDoctor
WiseGeek
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive lets your doctor know what kind of care and treatment you would like to have if you become incapable of making those kinds of decisions. Laws about advance directives are different in each state.
What is a living will?
This is one type of advance directive. It's a written legal document and describes the kind of medical treatment or life-sustaining treatments you would want if you were seriously or terminally ill. This type doesn't allow you to appoint someone to make decisions for you.
What's a DPA?
This is yet another type of advance directive. It stands for Durable Power of Attorney. It states whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you should you become unconscious or unable to make decisions.
What's a DNR?
This is, you guessed it, another advance directive! It is a request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. Doctors and hospital staff will always default to resuscitation unless there is a DNR order on the patient's medical records. All doctors and hospitals accept DNR orders.
Getting an advance directive.
-Forms provided by your doctor
-Write your wishes down yourself
-Contact your health department or department on aging to get a form
-Contact a lawyer
-Use computer software package for legal documents
5-1-13
Kaiser Health News
Youtube
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